Ceramics and Pottery Terminology

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What is Bisque-ware?

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A piece of clay that has been fired once and is hard but still porous. It is ready for painting or glazing.

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What is Cone level used for?

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A way to measure the heat reached inside a kiln using small pyramids called cones; the cone level tells the potter when the firing is finished.

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What is Firing in pottery?

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The process of heating clay pieces in a kiln to change them from soft clay into hard ceramic. Different firings make pieces either bisque-ware or glaze-ware.

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What is Kiln Furniture?

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Shelves, posts, and supports placed inside a kiln to hold pieces during firing. They help keep work stable and prevent pieces from touching each other or the kiln floor.

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What is Resist in pottery?

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A material (like wax or tape) used to block glaze or slip from sticking to part of a piece. It keeps patterns or areas unglazed.

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What does Bone Dry mean in pottery?

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Clay that is completely dry and fragile before the first firing. It feels room-temperature and very light; it cannot be reshaped without breaking.

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What is Glaze-ware?

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A ceramic piece that has been glazed and fired a final time so it has a smooth, glass-like surface. Glaze-ware is waterproof and often shiny.

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What is Scoring in pottery?

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Scratching the surfaces of two pieces of clay where they will join. Scoring makes it easier for the clay and slip to stick together.

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What is Wedging in pottery?

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The process of kneading clay to remove air bubbles and make the clay texture even. It helps prevent cracks and lumps in finished work.

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What does Leather-hard mean in pottery?

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Clay that has dried enough to hold its shape but is still soft enough to carve or join pieces. It is firmer than wet clay but not fully dry.